Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Leilani . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Leilani thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
The most meaningful project I’ve embarked on is the creation and nurturing of The Sakura Series, an endeavor deeply rooted in my personal journey as a poet from Honolulu with a multicultural background. Born and raised in Hawaii, I’ve been fortunate to grow up in a melting pot of cultures, where diversity in culture is celebrated everyday.
My multicultural upbringing instilled in me a profound appreciation for the richness of diverse perspectives, languages, and traditions—a perspective that I carry with me in all aspects of my life, including my poetry.
Determined to carve out a safe space where voices like mine—and those of countless others—could be heard and celebrated, I founded The Sakura Series. Named after the cherry blossom, a symbol of renewal and the ephemeral beauty of life, The Sakura Series embodies the spirit of inclusivity, community, and cultural exchange.
What makes The Sakura Series particularly meaningful to me is the opportunity it provides to share space with a diverse community of poets and artists. In a city as culturally rich and diverse as New York, our events serve as a melting pot of voices, languages, and experiences, where poets from all backgrounds come together to share their stories, find solidarity, and celebrate their identities.
The Sakura Series has evolved into a vibrant community-driven organization that hosts workshops, showcases, and poetry slams throughout Brooklyn, New York. Each event is carefully curated to amplify unheard voices and provide a platform for self-expression, community building, and collaboration.What makes The Sakura Series truly meaningful to me is the impact it has had on individuals within our community. I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of poetry in people’s lives—the way it can heal, empower, and unite. Seeing poets from diverse backgrounds come together to share their stories and support one another has been incredibly inspiring and reaffirms the importance of the work we’re doing.
Adding to our list of exciting events is the upcoming Asian Voices Variety Show on May 22nd in celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. I am thrilled about this showcase, which aims to spotlight the diverse talents within the AAPI community. Featuring performances by award-winning poets, comics, and musicians, the Asian Voices Variety Show promises to be an unforgettable celebration of culture, creativity, and community.
For me, there’s something truly special about witnessing poets from different cultures and walks of life come together in a shared space to express themselves authentically and support one another. It’s a reminder of the power of poetry to transcend boundaries and foster connections—a message that lies at the heart of The Sakura Series.
The Sakura Series is not just a platform for poetry—it’s a celebration of diversity, community, and the transformative power of storytelling. And as someone with a multicultural background, I feel deeply honored to be able to create and nurture a space where voices like mine are not just welcomed, but cherished.
Leilani , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m Leilani, a spoken word poet, theater creative, and the founder of the Sakura Series. My journey into the world of poetry and performance art began with a deep-seated passion for storytelling and a desire to amplify unheard voices. Growing up in Honolulu, Hawaii, I was immersed in a culturally rich environment that celebrated diversity and embraced the power of storytelling as a means of connection and empowerment.
After moving to Brooklyn, New York, I found myself drawn to the vibrant poetry scene, where I discovered spoken word as a powerful medium for addressing social issues and advocating for change. Inspired by the voices around me, I began performing at various venues across the city, using poetry as a tool to shed light on injustices and amplify marginalized voices. Driven by a desire to create a space where poets from all backgrounds could come together to share, grow, and connect, I founded the Sakura Series. Through workshops, open mics, and slams, the Sakura Series provides a platform for poets to hone their craft, express themselves authentically, and build community.
At the heart of the Sakura Series is a commitment to fostering growth and self-development among writers, while also creating a space for marginalized voices to be heard and celebrated. Our workshops and events provide a supportive environment for poets to explore their creativity, develop their skills, and connect with like-minded individuals.
What sets the Sakura Series apart is our dedication to inclusivity, diversity, and community building. We believe that everyone has a story worth sharing and that poetry has the power to inspire, empower, and effect change. I’m incredibly proud of the community we’ve built and the impact we’ve had on the lives of poets and artists.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that the Sakura Series is more than just a poetry series—it’s a movement. It’s a celebration of diversity, creativity, and the transformative power of storytelling. Whether you’re a seasoned poet or just starting out on your creative journey, there’s a place for you at the Sakura Series. Join us as we continue to amplify voices, inspire change, and build community through the power of poetry.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
My journey into the world of poetry and event production was not a straightforward one. When I first moved to NYC, I found myself teaching AP Psychology at a high school—a role that, while fulfilling in some ways, left me deeply unhappy. The lack of resources provided to teachers, coupled with the demands of the job, left me feeling drained and unfulfilled. Most importantly, I found myself unable to dedicate the time and energy I longed to give to my art.
After much soul-searching, I made the difficult decision to resign from my teaching position and pursue a part-time job that would sustain me financially while allowing me the freedom to pursue my artistic passions. It was a leap of faith, but one that I knew was necessary for my own well-being and fulfillment.
This decision allowed me to carve out space in my life for writing, producing events, and engaging in activities that I truly care about. It was a transformative period—a time of growth, self-discovery, and creative exploration. And while the path hasn’t always been easy, I am grateful every day for the opportunity to live a life aligned with my passions and values.
My experience taught me the importance of prioritizing self-care and following your heart, even when it means making difficult choices. It’s a message I carry with me in all aspects of my work, and one that I hope inspires others to pursue their own dreams, whatever they may be.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Absolutely, there is a deeply personal and profound mission that drives my creative journey. As someone from Hawai’i, my love and care for my family back home is at the core of everything I do. My mother’s love and sacrifices for her children and my father’s creativity and spirit are two of my biggest inspirations. In addition, I write not only for myself and my living family, but also for my ancestors who may not have had the opportunity to share their stories during their lifetimes.
In my poetry and event productions, I strive to take up space in the community and amplify voices that have been historically marginalized or silenced. It’s a mission that is deeply rooted in my own experiences as a person of multicultural background, and it’s one that I carry with me in all aspects of my work. I have written poetry about my family’s experience with the atomic bombs dropped on Japan, the Japanese occupation in Korea, my experience with broken language, those that were affected by the Lahaina fires, and more.
By writing and creating, I aim to be a voice for my family, my ancestors, and those who share similar identities as myself. It’s a way for me to honor their legacies and ensure that their stories are not forgotten. Through poetry and events, I hope to inspire others to embrace their own voices and share their stories, creating a more inclusive and vibrant community for all.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @leilani.poetry_ + @sakura.series
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-leilani-campbell-b9609b1a9
- Other: email: [email protected]
Image Credits
Michael Gebhardt